RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – ZIMBABWE SUGAR ASSOCIATION EXPERIMENT STATION 260 views

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ZIMBABWE SUGAR ASSOCIATION EXPERIMENT STATION – RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – SUGARCANE PLANT BREEDING DEPARTMENT 

ZIMBABWE SUGAR ASSOCIATION EXPERIMENT STATION

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – SUGARCANE PLANT BREEDING DEPARTMENT

The Zimbabwe Sugar Association Experiment Station (ZSAES) invites applications for the position of Research Associate in its Plant Breeding Department. This role is based in Chiredzi and reports directly to the Senior Plant Breeder. ZSAES is an equal opportunity employer; all appointments are made strictly on merit. Please note that successful candidates will be responsible for securing their own accommodation in Chiredzi.

Key Responsibilities

• • Collaborate with the Senior Plant Breeder and an interdisciplinary team of scientists, including plant pathologists, entomologists, agricultural engineers, chemists, and agronomists.
  • Manage genetic resources of sugarcane varieties (evaluation and characterization) and serve as gene bank curator.
  • Assist in managing crossing programs to develop hybrid sugarcane fuzz seed.
  • Apply modern biotechnological techniques for genetic fingerprinting of germplasm and screening for major sugarcane pests and diseases.
  • Contribute to the departmental selection program by planning, designing, and implementing short- and long-term experiments aimed at developing desirable traits in sugarcane.
  • Maintain accurate records throughout the research cycle; perform statistical analyses; prepare and submit timely reports from field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments.
  • Oversee labour, financial, and material resources within the station and across partner institutions.

Qualifications & Attributes

• • Minimum Qualification: MSc in Plant Breeding, Genetics, or Biotechnology from a recognized university.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and deliver reliable molecular science results for integration into ZSAES research programs.
  • A proven research track record in a related field is an added advantage.
  • Strong knowledge of recurrent population improvement and clonal hybrid breeding procedures.
  • Proficiency in quantitative genetics for optimizing selection programs, refining heterotic grouping, and conducting combining ability analyses.
  • Excellent statistical skills and familiarity with data management and analysis software.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and thrive in an interdisciplinary team environment.
  • Personal qualities: patience, maturity, analytical and investigative mindset, initiative, sound judgment, enthusiasm, and commitment.
  • Willingness to work long hours with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent command of English (spoken and written).
  • A valid Class 4 driver’s license.
  • Openness to pursue further studies.